Voting began early Monday — not for political candidates, but for local not-for-profits in a first-of-its-kind contest with beaucoup bucks at stake.
The voting took place on Day One of the “giveGreater.org 2010 Challenge.”
For the next two months, people will “vote” for their favorite not-for-profits by contributing $50 or more to them. The not-for-profits who get the most such votes by Dec. 31 will have the best chances of winning up to $25,000 in special grants from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
The polls opened at 8 a.m. Monday — and any political candidates have the same success exciting their supporters Tuesday will find themselves winners.
Within five minutes, not-for-profits raised $15,000, according to the foundation’s Tricia Caldwell; $50,000 came in by 9 a.m from 937 separate givers. The tally was up to $75,000 and 1,285 givers by noon, $83,000 and counting by 3 p.m.
Click here to find out how to participate.
The foundation gave out $5,000 “early bird” prizes for the first-day winners. The list included Gaylord Hospital, Christian Community Action, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Solar Youth, Fair Haven Community Health Center, and Neighborhood Music School.
And unlike in those other elections, this contest featured no negative advertising — and only “good guy” candidates.